by Lindsay H. Jones and Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones and Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

Now this is a draft weekend to remember for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers signed a five-year contract extension with the Packers on Friday that will make him the highest-paid player in the NFL. Rodgers' contract is worth a total of $110 million, with $40 million to be paid in the first year, a person with knowledge of the contract told USA TODAY Sports.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because terms of the deal were not to be announced.

The $40 million in the first year of Rodgers' extension matches what New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees received last year. The total payout, and average yearly salary, eclipses the contract signed by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco in March.

"Aaron is a true professional and a special player," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said in a statement. "He works hard, is humble, and is focused on his actions, on and off the field. He is an excellent teammate and pushes himself and others to be the very best. We are happy to reach an agreement and extend his career with the Packers."

Rodgers, who had two years remaining on his previous deal, is under contract through 2019.

After the Packers announced the agreement, Rodgers tweeted: "Thanks to the Organization, coaching staff, teammates, Packer nation for last 8 years! Excited about 7 more!"

It was only eight years ago that Rodgers plummeted to the No. 24 pick in the draft after expecting to be selected early in the first round, perhaps as early as No. 1 overall to the San Francisco 49ers. On Thursday night, Rodgers tweeted a message of support to former West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith, who was not selected in the first round.

"Good things come to those who wait," Rodgers wrote to Smith.

It has worked out that way for Rodgers in Green Bay. Rodgers spent three years sitting behind Brett Favre before becoming the Packers starter in 2008. In the years since, he has led the Packers to a Super Bowl title (and was named the game's MVP) and won a league MVP award.

Rodgers is the second Packer to sign a contract extension this month, joining star linebacker Clay Matthews, who signed an extension to his rookie contract last week. Matthews' deal makes him the highest-paid linebacker and includes $31 million guaranteed.

Tight end Jermichael Finley, who has had a rocky relationship with Rodgers, tweeted: "Congratulations 2 my man ... Frankly, he deserves more, but thank you 4 saving some 4 the rest. Every dinner on u sir! Let's Go."